Contact Information
2000 NE 23rd Street
Oklahoma City, OK
73111
Phone: (405) 424-1437
About Ralph Ellison Library
The Ralph Ellison Library opened in its current location in 1975. Named in honor of Oklahoma City native and acclaimed author Ralph Ellison, this library is in one of Oklahoma City’s historically African-American neighborhoods yet serves a diverse group of residents. Customers rely on the library to find basic information about voting, taxes, tutoring, government assistance, and a variety of other fundamental needs. In addition, the library serves a dynamic population of motivated customers ranging from school-age children to young adults and elders in the community. The Library serves as an essential hub for services, research, programs and events linking members of the larger community to one another.
Book drop location: To the right of entrance.
Public transit:
- EMBARK bus routes 002 (click here for route map) and 022 (click here for route map)
- Closest bus stop: N Martin Luther King Ave @ NE 23rd St (2-minute walk to library from stop)
Services
- Public use computers with 60-minute internet access and printing capabilities
- An express computer with 15-minute internet access and printing capabilities
- Mobile and offsite printing
- Free Wi-Fi
- Color copy machine with free outbound faxing (to U.S. numbers only) and scanning capability
- Chromebooks (available to check out on a first-come, first-served basis)
- Wi-Fi hotspots (available to check out; holds can be placed in our catalog)
- Self-serve holds shelf and a self-check machine
- Catalog computers dedicated to accessing the library's collection
- Library staff who can provide assistance locating information, using print and electronic sources, and provide readers' advisory
- Place and pick up interlibrary loan requests
- Tours and instruction in the use of library resources (by appointment)
- Experience Passes for the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, the Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma Banjo Museum, and the Museum of Osteology that are first-come, first-served
- Music keyboard available for guest use. Ask staff for assistance.
Technology
Collection
- Meeting rooms - Cost (reservations required)
- Black History Collection
Spaces
Special Collections
Hours of Operation
Please check the top of this page for notices impacting our hours of operation or services offered.
Monday - Thursday: 9am - 9pm
Friday: 9am - 6pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 1 - 6pm
Curbside Hours
Monday - Thursday: 9am - 7pm
Friday: 9am - 6pm
Saturday: 1pm - 5pm
Sunday: 1pm - 6pm
Upcoming Events
Target Age: School-age children
Children ages 1-18 are invited to enjoy a meal from 12-2 p.m. at Ralph Ellison Library.
Meals are provided by Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma's Summer Feeding Program.
Disclaimer(s)
We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens. Accordingly, the Library will not be liable for such harm to any individual resulting from such allergens.
Join other video game lovers for a fun-filled program full of gaming, group challenges, and other activities. Playing video games with others helps to build skills such as: problem solving, teamwork, spatial reasoning, and communication. Gaming is also a great way to reduce stress and boost your mood! Come meet new friends, explore other worlds, and learn about the many resources your neighborhood library has to offer!
Children ages 1-18 are invited to enjoy a meal from 12-2 p.m. at Ralph Ellison Library.
Meals are provided by Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma's Summer Feeding Program.
Disclaimer(s)
We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens. Accordingly, the Library will not be liable for such harm to any individual resulting from such allergens.
Arts and crafts exercises are a great way to expose your child to different ways to express their creativity and promote positive self-esteem.
Disclaimer(s)
The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.
This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to be in attendance and be engaged with your child for this program.
Have the midweek slumps? Join us for a movie and popcorn!
Movie rating will be PG-13 or lower! Families are welcome!
Children ages 1-18 are invited to enjoy a meal from 12-2 p.m. at Ralph Ellison Library.
Meals are provided by Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma's Summer Feeding Program.
Disclaimer(s)
We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens. Accordingly, the Library will not be liable for such harm to any individual resulting from such allergens.